Packers add another OL in Cornell's Tretter

Apr. 27, 2013

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The Green Bay Packers went back-to-back with offensive linemen in the fourth round, taking Cornell’s J.C. Tretter with the 122nd pick on Saturday.

Tretter (6-foot-3½, 307 pounds) became just the third Cornell offensive lineman to earn all-America first-team honors since the 1940 season. He started all 20 games at left tackle during his final two seasons with the Big Red.

He allowed just one quarterback sack on 853 pass plays while also registering 214 knockdowns and 23 touchdown-resulting blocks. He spent the first two seasons at Cornell as a tight end with five receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Tretter becomes the 17th offensive lineman drafted under Thompson since 2005. Since the AFL merged with the NFL in the late 1960s, only two Big Red offensive linemen have played in the league.

J.C. Tretter at a glance

Highlights: Tretter started all 20 games at left tackle during his final two years at Cornell, allowing just one quarterback sack and 853 passing plays. He registered 214 knockdowns and 23 touchdowns-resulting blocks. Ran a 5.09 in the 40-yard dash, and bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times. Has a 78¼-inch wingspan.

Strengths: Plays under control with good footwork, agility and balance. Has good size and a big frame to grow into. A very smart and coachable player with outstanding work habits. Very tough and aggressive.

Weaknesses: Tends to play too straight-legged and upright with a lack of explosive body power. Not stout to anchor against the bull rush. Did not play stiff competition at Cornell, and broke his nose the day before Senior Bowl week and was unable to participate.

Noteworthy: Joseph Carl Tretter is a converted tight end, arriving at Cornell at 238 pounds and leaving at 307 pounds. Became just the third Cornell offensive lineman to earn all-America first-team honors since 1940, joining Nick Drahos (1940) and Kevin Boothe (2005), as well as becoming a two-time all-Ivy League selection.

Quote: Tretter on playing in the Ivy League: “I’d be lying to you if I said it was the SEC, it obviously is not, but we have some quality players. My goal was just to dominate at my level and to show the NFL scouts what I could offer.”